Chief Romanus Ementa Okonkwo, best known by his business name in the music industry, “Rogers All Stars” was Friday, 9th May, 2025, laid to rest in his home town, Umuokpu in Awka, Anambra State.
As the casket went into the grave, it was draped with the flag of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), an honour bestowed on prominent members of COSON, at their burial.
A significant number of COSON members attended the burial, some wearing COSON shirts, others doling COSON caps. Chief Tony Okoroji, Chairman of COSON, was powerfully represented by two members of the COSON Board, Chief Uche Emeka Paul and Sir Angus “Power” Nwangwu.
Chief Uche Emeka Paul, who spoke on behalf of Chief Okoroji, said that the COSON Chairman very much wanted to attend the burial, personally because of his long standing respect for the deceased but unforeseen circumstances stepped in and made it impossible for him to be present.
Chief Okonkwo, an unassuming gentleman, was a great supporter of COSON and participated actively in making COSON a respected institution.
Speaking on the phone with his son, Obiora Okonkwo, upon learning of the passing of Chief Okonkwo, COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, said: “Your father was my friend, and we shared mutual respect. His Rogers All Stars label and studios played unforgettable roles in the promotion of popular music in Nigeria.
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“His vision and investment in a hitherto unknown Prince Nico Mbarga and his Rocafill Jazz Orchestra, which gave birth to the humongous hit song, “Sweet Mother”, probably the most successful song ever recorded in Nigeria, remains the decision of a true master.
“Before then, he had assembled the blockbuster Ikenga Superstars of Africa, who shook dance floors from coast to coast. I am sure that there will never be another Chief Romanus Okonkwo, a gentleman to the core. I and the entire COSON family, will miss him greatly”.
